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Bend, Oregon, is a kind of locations you possibly can’t assist however fall in love with. This high-desert metropolis in Central Oregon is a implausible trip vacation spot for nearly anybody. Identified for its broad collection of breweries and out of doors actions, there are many issues to do in Bend, Oregon.
If you arrive in Bend, you’ll instantly discover the favored RV and van life vibe, which at all times makes us really feel proper at house. Don’t be shocked for those who see purpose-built journey rigs throughout city from off-grid journey vans to expedition automobiles and the whole lot in between.
Joe and I’ve spent fairly a little bit of time right here, and these are a few of our favourite issues to do in Bend, together with just a few suggestions for fellow campers and RVers.
Issues to Do in Bend Oregon
1. Keep Caffeinated at Thump Espresso
Begin your morning with a cup of fastidiously roasted and exactly brewed espresso at Thump Real Espresso. The Ethiopia Washed ranks very excessive on Joe’s favourite espresso record.
For these of you preferring to brew your individual espresso, you’ll find freshly roasted beans on the market at any Thump location on the town in addition to most of the native markets together with Market of Alternative and Newport Ave Market.
2. Feast on Scrumptious Thai Meals at Wild Rose
Wild Rose Thai is arguably one of the common eating places in Bend, Oregon. Anticipate a wait at this Northern Thai restaurant throughout peak eating hours. Our favourite dishes embrace Grandfather’s Tom Kha, Kabocha Curry (pictured above) and Kar Nar Moo Krob.
After our journey to Thailand, we fell in love with Thai delicacies, and it’s good to have the ability to discover a few of these flavors we liked with out flying midway world wide.
Tip: for those who’re touring solo, lunch is a good possibility with smaller parts the place you possibly can attempt multiple dish.
Wild Rose additionally has a sister restaurant in Bend known as Sen Thai Scorching Pot and Noodle Home. We stopped in for lunch and had an exquisite meal. Issues to order at Sen Thai embrace Poh Pia Sode Tod, Ba-Mee Moo Dang and Guay Teow Mun Goong.
3. Beer Hop In Bend
With the rising variety of breweries in Bend, you’ll find nearly any model of beer or non-alcoholic brew to fulfill your style buds.
Deschutes Brewery is essentially the most well-known and established spot on the town. Did you actually go to Bend for those who didn’t attempt a Deschutes beer?
Crux Fermentation Challenge is one other common brewery in Bend with a big tasting room and out of doors space. Joe likes their Gimme Mo Not Simply One other IPA. The expansive out of doors house with picnic tables and fireplace pits makes it an amazing spot to loosen up.
GoodLife Brewing is one in every of our native favorites. The award-winning Descender IPA is a must-try for all you IPA drinkers on the market. Their garden is normally much less crowded, providing an ideal spot for a laid-back summer season afternoon.
10 Barrel Brewing is a newer discovery for us. Though the brewery has been round for some time, there’s solely a lot time for brewery exploration every go to. The Cucumber Crush from their sequence of bitter beers is very refreshing on a heat summer season day.
4. Go to the Blockbuster in Bend
Step again in time and go to the final remaining Blockbuster on the earth. This iconic retailer is a nostalgic journey for anybody who remembers the joy of Friday night time film leases. Inside, you’ll discover cabinets stocked with DVDs in alphabetical order. It’s a enjoyable and quirky cease that provides a singular slice of popular culture historical past. Whether or not you’re a long-time fan or simply inquisitive about this relic of the previous, the Bend Blockbuster is certainly price a go to.
5. Seize a Loaf of Freshly Baked Bread
Bend has a wide selection of bakeries and cafes making freshly baked bread.
Nice Harvest Bread Firm is understood for his or her freshly milled and baked breads. Our favorites embrace the honey entire wheat and Dakota.
Jackson’s Nook makes a variety of conventional sourdough breads. We particularly loved the entire grain sourdough.
These bakeries are additionally well-known in Bend serving some delectable baked items that locals and vacationers love. We haven’t sampled these but, however it’s purpose to return again to Bend proper?
The Sparrow Bakery makes an croissant model pastry lined in cardamon sugar known as the Ocean-Roll that clients completely love.
Nancy P’s makes a cinnamon roll that our mates had stated is an absolute should attempt. Go early to ensure your cinnamon roll expertise, as a result of we’ve heard they do promote out.
6. Recent Native Produce on the Farmers Market
Wednesdays in the summertime means an abundance of recent native produce on the Brooks Alley farmers market in Bend, Oregon. Along with in season vegetables and fruit, you’ll additionally discover artisan breads, pasture raised meats, wild caught fish, native honey, recent minimize flowers and specialty meals distributors.
Tip: for those who’re not capable of make it to the farmer’s market, Central Oregon Locavore is open day by day with an amazing collection of native produce and meats.
7. Loosen up at Considered one of Many Parks in Bend
Bend Park & Recreation personal portion of the land within the metropolis. Because of this, there are lots of fantastic parks to select from.
Seize a blanket or the garden chairs and head to Drake Park (pictured above). The 13-acre park affords lush inexperienced grass with effectively maintained paths alongside the river and thru the park. Plan to remain some time, the sunsets over Mirror Pond are price sticking round for.
Go for hike at Shevlin Park. It’s possible you’ll be shocked to seek out the favored Tumalo Creek Path such a brief distance from Downtown Bend. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of town, take pleasure in peace and quiet at this tranquil park.
8. Drive Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Driving the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a must-do expertise in Central Oregon, and it comes extremely really useful by our mates who stay within the space. This 66-mile scenic route is RV pleasant and affords breathtaking views. As you journey by way of the Deschutes Nationwide Forest, you’ll cross by alpine lakes, dense forests, and volcanic peaks. With loads of pull-offs and scenic viewpoints, this drive is a perfect manner to absorb the pure fantastic thing about Central Oregon.
There are additionally a number of RV-friendly campgrounds alongside the route, equivalent to Elk Lake Campground and Little Lava Lake Campground, making it straightforward to increase your journey and luxuriate in an in a single day or two within the camper.
9. Newberry Nationwide Volcanic Monument
South of Bend is the Newberry Nationwide Volcanic Monument. Try the Lava Lands Customer Middle to be taught extra in regards to the lakes, lava flows and trails on this 50,000+ acre area. We have been greeted by this double rainbow on the Path of the Molten Land.
10. Discover Past Bend
If you’re in Bend, make sure you try Sisters and Redmond too. Sisters is an enthralling city on the base of the Cascade Mountains with a cool, previous Western vibe and a vibrant arts scene. It’s additionally proper subsequent to the Three Sisters Wilderness, which is ideal for mountaineering, biking, and fishing. Only a brief drive away, Redmond affords a distinct sort of journey with Smith Rock State Park, recognized for its world-class mountain climbing and beautiful views. Redmond additionally has a rising meals scene and distinctive retailers which can be enjoyable to discover.
On our most up-to-date go to to the realm, we found Xalisco Latin Delicacies in Redmond and the meals was superb and the good service made the expertise all of the extra particular. If you’re going to be on the town for one of many Overland Expos this 12 months, ensure prime by for a meal or three.
Whether or not you’re in your strategy to Crater Lake Nationwide Park or in your strategy to Bend, undoubtedly add this to your street journey.
RV Dwelling Suggestions for Bend, Oregon
For these of you tenting in Bend, listed here are just a few suggestions:
- Cathy’s Specific Eco Laundromat has quick washing machines and good dryers. Bank cards are accepted.
- There are a number of Amazon lockers on the town together with one on the Entire Meals in Bend.
- Oregon Journey Vehicles is an area journey rig clothing store and equipment store that may assist you to construct and modify your journey car.
- Bend Battery has a wide array of batteries and may troubleshoot electrical points and assist with upgrades.
- Verizon web pace can fluctuate relying on the place you’re within the metropolis. We had to make use of our cell sign booster in just a few areas to get usable knowledge. Learn our put up on RV Web to be taught extra about methods to remain related on the street.
- To rapidly discover campgrounds, RV dumps, propane fills, potable water and extra RVing/tenting sources we use Allstays. Try our AllStays Evaluate.
The place to Camp in Bend Oregon
Previously now we have camped on the road and driveway surfed with mates. More often than not, we favor to camp on public land. For recommendations on discovering free tenting round Bend, try our put up on how one can discover dispersed tenting on public land.
Having enjoyable exploring in Bend, Oregon!